Marybeth Lybrand has spent more than 25 years as an educator, academic advisor, college professor, writing instructor, and university admissions specialist. That breadth of experience shapes everything about how she works with students: holistically, unhurriedly, and with a genuine belief that the college planning process is as much about self-discovery as it is about applications.

Marybeth spent nearly a decade as an Admissions Specialist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she evaluated thousands of freshman applications using the UC system's rigorous holistic review process. She assessed academic records, extracurricular profiles, and personal insight essays against the standards of one of the most competitive public university systems in the country. She knows what admissions offices are actually looking for because she was doing that work herself. Today, she applies that knowledge to help her students craft compelling applications, build well-balanced college lists, and pursue scholarships with focus and confidence.

Her reach extends well beyond the UC system. Her years of teaching and advising at institutions on both coasts, combined with her active membership in WACAC, IECA, and NAIS, give her a broad, current understanding of admissions landscapes from California to the East Coast and everywhere in between.

Marybeth is also especially committed to supporting neurodivergent students. She tailors her approach to each student's strengths, needs, and communication style, helping them navigate the application process with confidence while ensuring their authentic voice comes through. She's equally focused on student wellness, helping families identify college environments that support both academic success and personal well-being.

She holds a Master of Arts in Education from California State University and a Certificate in College Counseling from UC San Diego. Her background as a writing instructor makes her a particularly skilled essay coach, helping students find and tell their own story in a way that genuinely resonates with admissions readers.